Nozzle adjusting construction



June 4, 1940. E. F. MARTINET I NOZZLE ADJUSTING CONSTRUCTION Filed June2. 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet l Patented June 4,1940

UNITED STATES NOZZLE ADJUSTING CONSTRUCTION Eugene F. Martinet,Cleveland, Ohio, assignor to The P. A. Geier Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio Application June 2, 1937, Serial No. 145,998

13 Claims.

The invention relates to portable suction cleaners, including a nozzleand associated means which are adjustable to vary the relative locationof the nozzle mouth with respect to the 'particwlar surface beingcleaned; and more particularly, to means for effecting a proper nozzleadjustment for any particular surface and for locking the adjustingmeans in such position, controlled by the characteristics of the surfaceto be cleaned.

In a suction cleaner, whether or not a power driven rotary brush oragitator is provided in its nozzle mouth, substantially no cleaningtakes place unless the nozzle mouth is properly located with respect tothe particular surface to be cleaned, so as to provide the proper nozzleadjustrnent between the surface being cleaned'and the nozzle mouth, asthe cleaner is moved across the surface being cleaned.

Rugs having different nap thicknesses, and floor surfaces of wood,linoleum, tile or the like, each require a different adjustment of thenozzle mouth with respect to the surface, to provide the proper nozzleadjustment for most effective cleanmg. v Moreover, if the nozzleadjustment is too close to the surface-being cleaned, the nozzle willtend to dig into the surface, and it will be diflicult or hard to pushthecleaner back and forth across the surface; or in the case of a barefloor and the like, the cleaner nozzle may scrape the surface. 7

Thus, it is particularly important that the adjustment of the cleanernozzle'mouth with respect to the surface being cleaned, shall not be anycloser than is necessary to provide for the maximum amount of cleaningeffect, with the least amount of effort on the part of the'operator, andwith a minimum of wear on the surface being cleaned.

Suction cleaners have heretofore usually been provided with manuallyadjustable means for varying the location of the nozzle mouth withrespect to the surface being cleaned; but the only way the user of sucha cleaner has of determining whether or not a proper nozzle adjustmenthas been effected between the nozzle mouth and surface to be cleaned isby changes in the sound of the motor, or by changes in the sound of arevolving element in the nozzle, or by the lifting of a portion of acarpet to the nozzle lips.

However, it is difficult to detect such changes in the sound of themotor or of'a revolving element, or to observe-the slight lift of acarpet; and such meth'odsof determining when a proper 55 nozzle mouthadjustmenthas been made, are not dependable, or at least are notunderstood by the average user of a suction cleaner.

I have heretofore provided signaling means for indicating when theproper'nozzle adjustment has been effected in connection with theoperation of manual adjusting means, as set-forth in my copendingapplications, Serial No. 73,868, matured in'Patent No. 2,120,011 andSerial No. 78,624, and such constructions are admirably satisfactory forthe purposes intended, yet they depend upon the operator coordinatingthe nozzle adjusting means and the signal means.

It has also been proposed to signal or control the nozzle adjustment bythe amount of sink of the wheels, upon which the cleaner is mounted,into the surface being cleaned; or by always adjusting the nozzle adefinite fixed distance above the surface to be cleaned. However, all ofthese latter constructions do not permit or enable a cleaner equippedwith the same to be used-for cleaning bare floor surfaces, tile,linoleum or the like.

The objects of the present invention include in general the provision ofsuction cleaning apparatus having a nozzle, which is self-adjusting andwhich automatically locates itself at the proper position forsatisfactorily cleaning a sur-. face, whether the surface be a barefloor surface, or a floor surface covered with one of many kinds ofcovering material, by a simple manipulation by the user of the cleaningapparatus.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision of v asuction cleaning apparatus having a suction passage or duct, and nozzleadjusting means which are automatically locked in an adjusted positionthe instant that proper adjustment has been obtained.

Broader objects of the present invention include the provision of animproved suction cleaner in which the variation in the suction orpressure of the air existing in a duct or chamber in the cleaner isutilized to lock the cleaner adjusting means the instant when aparticular condition of the suction air has been obtained, such as whenthe suction or pressure in the cleaner passages is such as will providea maximum amount of cleaning, regardless of the character of the surfacebeing cleaned.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision ofsuction cleaning apparatus having adjusting means, locking means for theadjusting means actuated by changes in the pressure or suction existingin a duct for the cleaner, and release means for the locking means.

Further objects of the present invention include the provision ofautomatic adjustingand locking means for the nozzle of a suctioncleaner'which may be readily and inexpensively applied to existing typesand kinds of cleaners without difllculty, and which are-strong andrugged in construction and operation.

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide anautomatic nozzle adjusting construction for a suction cleaner which iscon trolled by the,character of the particular surface to be cleaned. V

Another object of the present invention includes the provision of aportable suction cleaner havingadjustable supporting means arranged toautomatically adjust the nozzle with respect-to a surface to be cleanedthe instant that operation of the adjusting means is initiated, and tohold the nozzle in such adjusted position until operation of theadjusting means is again initiated.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the suction cleaner,apparatus, parts, improvements, methods, combinations, andsubcombinations, which .comprise the present invention; the nature ofthe same being set forth in the following general statements andpreferred embodiments of which, together with their mode of use are setforth in the following description; and which are particularily anddistinctly pointed out and set forth in the ap-' pended claims formingpart hereof.

The nature of the improvements of the present invention may be describedin general terms' hasbeen effected, and release means for the lockingmeans operable to initiate operation of the adjusting means.

By way of example, several embodiments of the present improvements areillustrated in the accompanying drawings forming part hereof in which; 1

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of an- I electrically operated,portable suction cleaner 55 provided with one form of the improvednozzle adjusting and locking means;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 1, withportionsbroken awayand; in section, illustrating in'full lines the position of the nozzlemouth and the parts of the adjusting and look ing means just as thecleaner hasbeen manipulated to initiate operation of the adjustin means;and showing in dot-dash lines the relative positions of certain of thesame parts adjusted for theprevious cleaning operationjust before thelocking means has been released.

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of certain of the parts shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a view similar .to Fig. 2, showing the location and relativepositions of the cleanernozzle mouth and adjusting and locking meansafter the adjusting means has operated to locate the nozzle mouth at theproper position to obtain maximum cleaningsuction for the particular naprug illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4. and.

'mouth with respect to the surface to be cleaned after the adjustingmeans has been locked in 'said adjusted position,

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of certain of the parts shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing the nozzle automaticallyadjusted to and locked in the proper position for obtaining maximumcleaning suction when cleaninga bare flooror the like;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view illustrating the meansactuated by changes in the pressure or suction in the nozzle for lockingthe adjusting means; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view similar to a portion of Fig. 6 illustratinga slightly modified form oflocking means.

Similar. numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several figuresof the drawings.

An electrically operated portable suction cleaner with a power drivenrotary brush in the nozzle chamber thereof and with aheadlight, andprovided with one embodiment of the present improvements, is shown inFigs. 1 to- 7, inclusive, and is indicated generally at ill.

The suction cleaner l includes a motor I l in a motor housing I2,associated with a fan housing l3 having a fan 14 therein secured on themotor shaft Ma, and a suction nozzle I is located adjacent to andcommunicates with the fan housing. An operating handle l6, and a dustbag I! connected with the exhaust opening of the fan housing l3 are alsoprovided for the cleaner; and the motor housing l2, the fan housing I3,and nozzle l5 aremounted on front casters l8 and preferably onadjustable double rear caster means IQ for ambulant motion over asurface to be cleaned, the surface being a ap rug 20 in Figs. 2 and 4and a bare floor 20a in Figs. 1 and 6. The cleaner in is also providedwith headlight means indicated generally by 2| The-suction nozzlepreferably includes walls forming a tubular neck 22 leading to the fanchamber l3, and a transversely elongated brush housing mouth 23terminating in lip walls 23a and 23b.

A rotary brush indicated generally by 24, and provided with bristles 25is preferably detachably and adjustably rotatably mounted in the suctionmouth 23, and the brush 24 is preferably motor driven, as shown in thedrawings, prefera which passes over the brush pulley surface 21 andbrush guard 23.

and the pulley surface of motor shaft extension 28 As shown, the lipwalls 23a and 23b of the nozzle l5 are preferably provided at theentrance light 32 being preferably lighted when the motor andfan are inoperation.

The front wheel or caster supporting means indicated generally at l8preferably include front axles 33- extending respectively coaxiallygenerally by thereon respectively, the front wheels or casters ably byanendless flat band rubber belt 26,

erally indicated at l9, preferably include a bracket member generallyindicated at 35, a

frame member. generally indicated at 36, acoil tensioned springgenerally indicated at 31 and wheels or casters 38.

,portion 39 prefe'rably has downturned ears 42 extending from itslaterally opposite edge portipns, and a hook shaped portion 43terminating in a T-shaped cross piece 44 best shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

The frame member 36 preferably includes side bars 45 and 46 and a crossplate 41 slotted at 48. The slot 48 extends around a portion of the,hook member 43. and above the T bar '44 thereof as well shown in Figs.2, 4 and 6; and the rear ends of the side bars 45 and 46 carry axles 49upon which the rear wheels or casters 3B are journaled.

The front end of side bar 45 and a middle portion of side bar 46 arejournaled on axle 50, which extends through the ears 42-of the bracketmember 35. The coil spring 31 is preferably mounted around the axle pin56 and one end 5| thereof abuts against the mounting member 35,

while the other end 52 thereof reacts against pin 53 carried by the sidebar 45. The spring 31 normally urges frame member 36 to rotate in upperend of the rack portion 54 terminates in an enlarged triangular shapedstop tooth 56 projecting forwardly beyond the pointed ends of the rack,teeth 55 for a purpose to be later described.

An elongated preferably rectangular bottom plate 51 is mounted on theunderside of the fan casing l3 and the plate 51 carries a generally S-shaped lever 56 pivoted thereon as at 59. One end of the lever 58 on oneside of the pivot 59 is turned upward at 60 and terminates in arearwardly projecting catch 6| having a flat undersurface and a curvedor angled upper surface for selective engagement with any of the teeth55 and 56, as will be presently described. v

The other end of the lever 58 on the other side 1 of the pivot 59 isturned upwardly at 62 and terminates in a boss. 63 having an aperture63a therein adjacent to one end of the rear nozzle lip wall 23b.

Movement of the lever 53 is controlled by the toggle mechanism bestshown in Figs. 3 and 5,

which includes the member 64 pivoted on plate 51, the member 65 pivotedon lever 58, the pin 66 extending between members 64 and 65 andcompression spring 61 mounted on pin 66 and reacting between members 64and 65. The toggle mechanism snaps the lever 58 either into the positionof Fig. 3 or the position of Fig. 5 when moved from one position pastcenter toward the other and holds the lever in such position when soactuated.

A bellows compartment is formed on the rear of nozzle lip wall 23badjacent to lever boss 63 by a housing member 66 which may besecured byany suitable means as indicated at 69 to nozzle lip wall 23b. Referringparticularly to Fig. '7, a series of apertures I are formedin the nozzlelip wall 23b for establishing communication between the nozzle chamberand the interior of the bellows housing. A preferably substantiallycylindrical rubber bellows tube H is secured within the bellows housing68 by a forward disk plate 72, which may be riveted at 13 to the nozzlelip wall 23b and clamps the forward peripheral edge Ha of the bellowstube ll against the rear nozzle lip wall 23?). A similar disk plate 14may be cemented or otherwise secured to the rear peripheral edge Nb oftubular bellows member H so that the plate member 14 acts together withthe bellowsmember H as a diaphragm.

A series of apertures F are provided in the disk plate 12 forestablishing communication through apertures between the nozzle chamberand the interior of the bellows member H. A

. pin or stud 16 is secured by any suitable means,

as indicated at 11, to the bellows disk member I4 and extends rearwardlythrough aperture '78 in housing 68 and through aperture 63a in leverboss 63. One or more washers 19 may be provided on the pin 16 forabutment against the rear surface of lever boss 63 through the mediumofcotter pin 86 secured on 'pin 16.

Handle member I6, in accordance with usual suction cleaner construction,is arranged to swing freely in an are extending counter-clockwise fromthe relative position of the handle l6 shown in Fig. 2; and stop lever8| is arranged to abut a stop (not shown) on handle controlling plate83,- so that further rearward movement of the handle l6 reacts againstmotor housing H to initially rotate motor housing l2, fan housing l3 andnozzle l5 clockwiseabout front axles 33 until rear caster means axle 56is moved downward to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2. Furtherrearward and downward movement of handle l6 causes the entire cleaner tobe lifted upwardly from the floor pivoting about the rear caster axles49 in a clockwise direction, viewing Figs. 2, 4 and 6. i

The operation of the improved suction cleaner may be described asfollows:

The manufacturer of a cleaner, such as the cleaner l0, determines andestablishes, in designing the same, that degree of suction orsubatmospheric pressure, or in other words, the drop from atmosphericpressure of the air existing in the cleaner nozzle l5 or other passageson the low pressure side of the fan, which is coincident with thecorrect adjustment ofthe entrance mouth of the nozzle with respect tothe surface to. be

cleaned, whether it be a nap rug 20 or-the like, or a bare floor 26a orthe like; by which adjust ment a maximum or predetermined cleaningaction will occur in using the particular design of cleaner with itsnozzle mouth correctly adjusted.

The manufacturer, having determined that degree of suction coincidentwith the proper adjustment of the nozzle entrance mouth to effect amaximum predetermined cleaning action, then so designs the bellows'lland diaphragm plate 14 thereof that the bellows will collapse fromthe! position of Fig. '7, to that of Fig. 4 the instant that a suctionor pressure has been obtained in the cleaner nozzle, which is coincidentwith with respect to the surface being cleaned.

Referring now to Fig. 2, assuming that the cleaner has been operated ona surface with its parts in the relative positions shown indot-dashlines, which is not acorrect adjustment for the particular nap rug 20shown, and assuming that the cleaner is to be operated on nap rug 28with proper nozzle adjustment; the sequence of at-- taining the properadjustment is as follows:

The motor II is running, causing fan H to induce an air flow into nozzlel5. The user pushes rearwardly downwardly on handle |6 .to depresspivotpin 58 from the position shown in dot-dash lines to the positionshown in full lines. In so moving the cleaner parts, the rack portion 54moves from the dot-dash position 'to the full line position. Thismovement of rack portion 54 causes the particular teeth 55 engaged indotdash position with catch 6 I, by reason of the engage'd taperedsurfaces, to produce a cam action on the catch 6|, which disengagescatch 6| from teeth 55.

As the rack portion 54 moves to the limit of its downward movement, asshown in full lines,

the tapered undersurface of stop tooth 56 engages catch 6| as shown, tomove catch 6| to'the full line position shown in Fig. 2.

Thus, viewing Fig. 3, lever 58 has been moved tween bracket member 35and frame member.

36 to raise the rear end of the cleaner and lower the nozzle from theposition shown in full lines in Fig. 2 to the position shown in Fig. 4.At the instant that the nozzle lips attain the correct relation withrespect to nap rug 20, as shown in Fig. 4, so that the cleaning" air hasattained a degree of cleaning suction to perform a maximum predeterminedamount of cleaning, bellows ll-14 moves from the position shown in, Fig.7 to the position shown in Fig. 4.

When the bellows so moves, cotter pin and washers 19 on member 16 engageboss 63 on lever 58 and pivots lever 59 in a counter-clock-' to lock theadjustable double rear caster means in the position-shown in Fig. 4,whereupon the 1 cleaner may be operated to clean nap rug 20 with thenozzle adjusted to perform a maximum amount of'cleaning for said nap rug28.

If during the cleaning operation, the handle "5 is depressed rearwardlydownwardly to lift the cleaner from the floor, adjustment of the nozzlewill of course be again initiated, but the nozzle will always return toand become locked in the adjusted position shown in Fig. 4 so long as itis being operated on nap rug 20.

Referring to Fig. 6, the parts are shown in full lines when the cleaneris adjusted and locked in adjusted position for cleaning a bare floor orthe like. A large number of teeth 55 are provided to enable the cleanerto be adjusted automatically and locked in any one of a plurality'ofadjusted positions within the limits of movement of rack portion 54.

Referring to Fig. 8, wherein a modified form of rack portion 64a isshown, the teeth 55a are square teeth rather than tapered teeth and thecatch 6| is square rather than tapered. This type of constructionrequires a manual release of catch 6|a from teeth 55a every time thecleaner is to be adjusted, rather than obtaining release of the lockingmeans by the downward movement of the handle.

The purpose of the modified form of construction shown in Fig. 8 is toavoid the necessity of going through an adjusting operation whenever thecleaner is tilted on itsback wheels to go over the edge of a carpet toclean a fringe, or tilted for any other purpose.

The present improvements as above described by way of example, thusprovide a suction cleaner in which the variation in the suction orpressure of the air existing in the cleaner passages is utilized tocontrol the adjustment of the cleaner form a maximum predeterminedamount of cleaning on any particular surface immediately after operationof the adjustingmeans has been initiated.

Moreover, the present improvements attain proper adjustment and lockingof the cleaner parts in' adjusted position by a very simple.manipulation by the user. In the particular embodiment shown, themanipulation is of the cleaner handle to a rearwardly depressed positionI and then a release of downward pressure on the handle to initiateoperation of the automatic adjustment.

Accordingly, the present improvements provide in a simple but ruggedmanner, means for attaining the objects heretofore set forth byproviding for the automatic adjustment of the nozzle mouth and automaticlocking of the same in any adjusted position with respect to any one ofdifferent surfaces or covering materials upon which the cleaner isoperated, so that a maximum predetermined cleaning effect is producedand yet the cleaner is always easy to push and cannot mark or scratch abare surface being cleaned.

Having now described the features of the invention, the construction andoperation of preferred forms of the invention, and the advantages andresults obtained thereby; the new and useful parts, elements, devices,combinations and constructions, and reasonable mechanical equivalentsthereof, obvious to those skilled in the art, are set. forth in theappended claims.

I claim:

1-. In -a suction cleaner, a suction-nozzle having anentrance mouth, afan for producing suction in said nozzle, means for adjusting theposition of the mouth with respect to the surface to be cleaned so thatproper cleaning suction can i be obtained in the nozzle, and meansoperated by the suction' in the nozzle when proper cleaning suction hasbeen obtained therein forlock: ing the adjusting means-in the adjustedposition coincident with the attainment of said proper cleaning suction.

2. In a suction cleaner, a suction nozzle having an entrance mouth, afanfor producing suction at said mouth,. a duct communicating with the fanand mouth in which the pressure attains a predetermined amount relativeto atmospheric pressure when the mouth is so located with respect to thesurface to'be'cleaned that proper I cleaning suction is obtained a't themouth, means means actuated by changes in the pressure in for adjustingthe location oi the mouth to obtain said proper cleaning suctionthereat, means operated by the pressure in the duct when proper.

justing the nozzle with respect to the surface to be cleaned so thatproper cleaning suction can be obtained in the nozzle including meansfor initiating the operation of the adjusting means, and meanscontrolled by the suction in the nozzle for stopping operation of theadjusting means at a predetermined position coincident with theattainment of said proper cleaning suction.

4. In a suction cleaner, a nozzle, means for adjusting the nozzle withrespectto the surface to be cleaned, and means operativcly associatedwith said adjusting means and operated by the suction in the nozzle tolock the adjusting means the instant that a nozzle adjustment isobtained which provides a predetermined maximum cleaning action. a

5. In a suction cleaner provided with a suction nozzle, 9. support forthe cleaner, adjusting means for raising and lowering said nozzlerelative to said support, and means including bellows controlled by thesuction of the nozzle-adapted to in: terlock with said adjusting meansupon the attainment of a predetermined degree of suction in the nozzle.i p

6. In a suction cleaner having supporting wheels and a nozzle adjustablewith respect to the surface being cleaned, means-tor adjusting theheight of said nozzle in'accordance with the character of the surfacefor obtaining a predetermined cleaning suction in said nomle includingmeans for manually initiating the operation of said adjustingmeans, andmeans actuated by the suction in the nozzle upon the attainment of saidpredetermined cleaning suction in said nozzle for locking the adjustingmeans.

'I.-Ina suction cleaner, a nozzle, means'ior adjusting the nomle" withrespect to the surface to be cleaned, locking means for the adjustingthe nozzle when a predeterminedsuction existse'singsaidnozzledcwnwardtowardasuriaceto' in the nozzle, and releasemeans tor the locking meansr 8; In asuction cleaner, a nozzle, means foradjusting the nozzle with respect to the surface to be cleaned, meanscontrolled by the suction in the male ior locking the adjusting means inan adjusted position, and manually controlled red lease means for thelocking; means operable to initiate operation of the adjusting means.

, 9. In a suctioncleaner having a housing in cluding a nozzle, anadjustable wheeled support for raising or lowering the housing, meansoperative through said support 10111181118 the nozzle, said support amember pivotally mounted on the homing, means interposed between saidmember and housing normally urgbe cleaned, and icon means actuated bythe suction in the nozzle for locking said member when a predeterminedsuction exists in the nozzle.

10. In a suction cleaner having a housing including a nozzle, anadjustable wheeled support for raising or lowering the housing meansoperative through said wheeled support for raising the nozzle, saidsupport including a member pivotally mounted on thehousing provided witha rack bar, means interposed between said member and housing normallyurging said nozzle downward toward a surface to be cleaned, and

lock means actuated by the suction in the nozzle for locking said rackbar when a predetermined suction exists in the nozzle.

11. In a suction cleaner having a housing including a nozzle, anadjustable wheeled support for raising or lowering the housing, meansoperative through said wheeled support for raising the nozzle, saidsupport including a member pivotally mounted on the housing providedwith a rack having tapered teeth, means interposed between said memberand housing normally urging said nozzle downward toward a surface to becleaned, and lock means actuated by the suction in the nozzle forlocking said member when a predetermined suction' exists in the nozzle,said lock means including a catch having a tapered portion forengagement with said tapered teeth.

' 1 2. In a suction cleaner having a housing including a nozzle, anadjustable wheeled support for raising or lowering the housing, meansoperative through said wheeled support for raising the nozzle, saidsupport including a member pivotally mounted on the housing, meansinterposed between said member and housing normally urging said nozzledownward toward 'a' surface to be' cleaned, and lock means includingpressure operated means and a toggle controlled lever having a catch,said pressure operated means being actuated by and upon the attainmentof a,predetermined suction in the nozzle to engage said catch with saidmember for locking said member.

13. In a suction cleaner having a housing including a nozzle, anadjustable wheeled support for raising or lowering the housing,meansoperative through said wheeled support for raising .the

nozzle, said support including a member pivotally mounted on the housingprovided with a rack bar having tapered teeth and a projectingstoptooth, means interposed between said member and housing normally urgingsaid nozzle downward-toward a surface to be cleaned, lock iheansincluding a pressure device and a toggle controlled lever operated to aposition locking said toothed rack bar by the pressure device by andupon the attainment of a predetermined suction in the nozzle; said stoptooth engaging the toggle controlled lever at the limit of movement ofsaid member in one direction to move the toggle controlled lever to itsother position out of the path of travel of the rack bar teeth forsubsequent Jperation by the pressure device.

imam amen-1mm.

